IMMIGRATION - NA HANDBOOK

Cognizant Technology Solutions - NA

Table of Contents
Key Contacts ........................................................................................................................... 3 H1B/L1 Extensions ................................................................................................................. 4
Steps for Initiating H-1B/L-1 Extensions ............................................................................ 4 FAQ for H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 Extensions............................................................................. 5

Green Card ............................................................................................................................. 8

Eligibility ................................................................................................................................ 8 FAQ for Green Cards ............................................................................................................. 8 Green Cards Process ................................................................................................. 9 PERM .......................................................................................................................... 11 Work Experience ...................................................................................................... 11 Spouses and Children ............................................................................................. 13 Post GC Issues .......................................................................................................... 15

MyVisa ................................................................................................................................... 16

A. Key Contacts Global Immigration Team (NA)

Type

Point Of Contact (POC)

Immigration C-World Website https://groups.cognizant.com/corporate/immigration My Visa My Visa - Technical Support https://myvisa.cognizant.com/ https://onecognizant.cognizant.com/OneConcerto/Default.aspx https://gsd.cognizant.com

COMPLIANCE CONTACTS: CIS Site Inspections LCA Questions Semi-Annual Notice to Clients BV Questions I-9 Questions GENERAL QUESTIONS: L-Visa H-Visa GC (Perm) GC (I-140/I-485/EAD/AP) Canada South/Latin America Miscellaneous

LCA@cognizant.com LCA@cognizant.com Information@cognizant.com BV@cognizant.com I9submissions@cognizant.com

Charleen Francis (144759) Devika Bhagwandas (137115) Olga Kaler (170317) Daniel Lehman (158204) Shamima Bandukwala (157553) Rosalind Weinberger (123952) Devika Bhagwandas (137115) Rosalind Weinberger (123952)

B. H1B/L1 Extensions
H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant Visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers to perform services in specialty occupations. L-1B Visa: The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organizations interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

I-94: The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record for nonimmigrant travelers. This card is provided to you when you enter the United States. Your I-94 card shows the period of time that you are legally authorized to remain in the United States. Do not lose this card!

Steps for Initiating H-1B/L-1 Extensions Every Associate who is currently in the U.S. in H-1B/L-1 status may initiate an H-1B/L-1 extension no earlier than 6 months in advance of the I-94 expiration date. H-4/L-2 should be initiated for dependents together with the H-1B/L-1 extension. An H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 extension must be initiated in MYVISA. The initiation process is a multistep process. For technical assistance with the process, the MyVisa Technical Team can be reached by creating a ticket in Remedy. To use GSD/Remedy for MyVisa, go to - gsd . Click on Users click here, under create a request, and choose option. After logging into MyVisa, instructions must be followed for updating the visa and travel details section, before the initiation process can begin. When the initiation process is completed, GIT will prepare and file the petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). Associate/dependents must be physically present in the U.S. when an H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 extension is filed with CIS. An H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 extension cannot be filed if an Associate/dependent is out of the U.S. If an Associate is present in the U.S., but his/her spouse is out of the US, the H-1B/L-1 extension can be filed, but not the H-4/L-2 extension. After CIS approves an H-1B/L-1 extension, the spouse may use the Associates H-1B/L-1 approval notice to apply for an H-4/L-2 visa stamp in India. After filing an H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 extension, CIS takes at least 3 weeks to issue a receipt notice with a receipt number. Once CIS issues a receipt notice, an Associate may check on the case status by using the receipt number at: www.USCIS.gov. An H-1B/L-1 extension may be filed with a request for Premium Processing Service (PPS), which is a CIS program that guarantees CIS processing (i.e., approval, RFE, or denial) within a 15-calendarday period for an additional $1,000 fee payment. The GIT associate working on a particular petition must be informed whether PPS is needed and must receive approval for PPS from the appropriate manager.

Once CIS approves an H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 extension, CIS will issue a new H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 approval notice (also known as a Form I-797) with a new I-94 card attached to the bottom of that approval notice. The new I-94 card is evidence that H-1B/H-4 or L-1/L-2 status is extended. An extended I-94 card is not a visa stamp. An associate will need a new visa stamp to re-enter the U.S., and must be obtained at a U.S. consulate in India using the new approval notice. For visa stamping appointments, the respective offshore Cognizant Global Immigration Team ("GIT'') representative should be contacted. All visa stamping appointments are scheduled offshore.

FAQ for H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 Extensions 1. When can I initiate my H-1B/L-1 extension? Every associate who is currently in the U.S. in H-1B/L-1 non-immigrant status can initiate an H1B/L-1 extension 6 months in advance of his/her I-94 expiration date. H4/L2 extension can also be initiated for dependents along with the H-1B/ L-1 extension. Please note that each H4/L2dependent will need his/her own extension petition in MyVisa. How do I initiate my H-1B/L-1 extension and my dependents H-4/L-2 extension? An H-1B/H4 OR L-1/L2 extension(s) must be initiated in MyVisa at https://MyVisa. The initiation process is a multi-step process. After logging into MyVisa, instructions must be followed for updating the My Profile Questionnaire section, before the initiation process can begin. When the initiation process is completed, GIT will prepare and file the petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). Please note that each H4/L2dependent will need his/her own extension petition in MyVisa. For technical assistance with the process, the MyVisa Technical Team can be reached by creating a ticket on Remedy. To use GSD / Remedy for MyVisa, go to https://gsd or https://gsd.cognizant.com; Click on Users click here, under create a request, and choose MyVisa option. 3. Do I need to be in the U.S. when the H-1B/L-1 and/or H-4/L-2 extension is filed? Yes, associate/dependents must be physically present in the U.S. when an H-1B/H4 OR L-1/L2 extension is filed with the CIS. What if my spouse is not in the U.S.? An H-1B/H4 OR L-1/L2 extension cannot be filed if an associate/dependent is out of the U.S. If an associate is present in the U.S., but his/her spouse is out of the U.S., the H-1B/L-1 extension can be filed, but not the H4/L2 extension. After the H-1B/L-1 petition is approved, the spouse can use the associates H-1B/L-1 approval notice to apply for an H4/L2 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate in India. When do I receive a receipt notice from CIS? After filing an H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 extension, it takes CIS approximately 3 weeks to issue a receipt notice with a receipt number. Once CIS issues a receipt notice, an Associate may check on case status by using the receipt number posted in their petition MyVisa from the Receipt Notice link in

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the left menu. Once you click Check Status you will automatically be routed to your case status screen in www.uscis.gov. The associate may also view and print a copy of their receipt notice from MyVisa in the Digital Docs section. 6. Can I stay in the U.S. after my H-1B/L-1 extension is filed? An H-1B/L-1 beneficiary does not need the receipt notice before the I-94 expires. The main concern is filing the H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 extension with CIS before the I-94 expires. Once the extensions are filed with CIS, the H-1B or L-1 beneficiary and his/her dependents, are authorized to remain in valid status until CIS approves the extensions. It is the I-94 that governs ones nonimmigrant status in the U.S., not the visa stamp. 7. Can my H-1B/L-1 extension be expedited? An H-1B/L-1 extension may be filed with a request for Premium Processing Service (PPS), under which CIS agrees to process an H-1B/L-1 extension petition (i.e., approval, RFE, or denial) within a 15-calednar-day period for an additional $1,225 fee payment. To review, GIT will process an H/L Extension PPS if you fall under one of the following circumstances: Drivers license expiration, provided that the associate proves the date of expiration by providing to GIT a soft copy of the drivers license. Business travel NOT vacation travel! to India after I-94 expiration and before expected date of CIS approval. Personal travel that entails the associates own wedding (not a relatives wedding) or family emergency such as a close relatives severe illness.

8. I recently joined Cognizant from another employer and my H-1B transfer petition is pending with CIS. Do I need to extend my old I-94? No, when GIT filed your H-1B transfer petition, GIT also extended requested extension of your H1B status. Therefore, another extension is not needed. 9. I recently joined Cognizant and my H-1B transfer petition is pending with CIS. My dependents have valid I-94s based on my previous employers visa stamp. Should their H-4 status be transferred to Cognizant as well? Yes, you must send your dependents documents to GIT, so that an H-4 transfer application can be filed with the CIS. 10. I recently joined Cognizant and my H-1B transfer petition is pending with the CIS. How can I find out the status of my transfer petition? Please check the status of your petition(s) in MyVisa. You will be able to click Check Status from Receipt Numbers. 11. When will I receive the extended I-94 card? When CIS approves an H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 extension petition, CIS will issue a new H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 approval notice (also known as a Form I-797) with a new I-94 card attached to the bottom of that approval notice. The new I-94 card is evidence that ones H-1B/H-4 OR L-1/L2 status has been

extended. This is not the visa. The visa stamp is different and must be obtained at a U.S. consulate in India using the new I-797 approval notice. 12. Who should I contact for visa stamping appointments? For visa stamping appointments, the respective Cognizant Global Immigration Team ("GIT'') associate offshore should be contacted. All visa stamping appointments are scheduled by offshore team members (see link below). https://groups.cognizant.com/corporate/immigration/Pages/Contact-India.aspx You must obtain and keep a Cognizant visa stamp while you are employed with Cognizant and travelling outside the US. If you have any dependents, they must also obtain and keep a Cognizant visa stamp while travelling outside the US. 13. Can I travel to Canada or Mexico for visa stamping? Yes, you can travel to Canada. Please contact Shamima Bandukwala, who handles Canadian visa stamping, for further information regarding the process. Cognizant does not send Associates to Mexico for visa stamping purposes. 14. I have an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and AP (Advance Parole). Should I still apply for H-1B/H4 OR L-1/L2 extensions? Yes, per Cognizants policy, you must continue to remain in valid H-1B/L-1 non-immigrant status and your dependents must continue to remain in valid H4/L2 non-immigrant status, even if you have an EAD/AP based on your I-485 application pending with CIS. Having a CIS-pending I-485 application is not a status. Please see below for more information on AP and maintaining nonimmigrant status. 15. If the associate has a valid nonimmigrant H/L visa status and re-enters the US on Advance Parole, how can the associate re-gain valid H/L status (i.e., an I-94 card showing H/L entry) if the Form I-797 approval notice has expired? To return to valid H/L status, the associate will need to initiate an H/L case in MyVisa and undergo visa stamping to re-enter the U.S. using an H/L visa stamp. 16. If the associate has a valid nonimmigrant H/L visa status and re-enters the US on Advance Parole, how can the associate re-gain valid H/L status (i.e., an I-94 card showing H/L entry) if the Form I-797 approval notice remains valid? To regain H/L status (i.e., an I-94 card), the associate will need to initiate an H/L extension in MyVisa up to six months prior to the I-797 expiry date. All subsequent U.S. entries should be under a valid H/L visa stamp. 17. If the last entry into the US was based on advance parole, will the associate need to maintain valid EAD until the associates H/L status is reactivated? Provided that the associate has previously held an I-94 under that valid CIS Form I-797 approval notice for H/L visa class, the associate remains work authorized after an advance parole entry under that valid Form I-797 approval notice. If subsequent to advance parole entry, the associates Form I-797 approval notice expires, the associate may remain work authorized under a valid EAD.

C. Green Card
Eligibility GIT will initiate only one GC process per associate - no exceptions. GIT makes every effort to file cases for the highest possible visa class for each associate. GIT will not re-file or otherwise initiate more than one GC case for an associate due to promotions, salary adjustment, or other events occurring after the initiation of a GC case. Associates may choose to postpone initiation of their GC case. Generally, GIT recommends against such delay in initiating a case, as such delay will likely postpone the time that the associates priority date (PD) is established, which will delay the eligibility to file Form I-485 application package, the last phase of the GC process. FAQ's for Green Card 1. What is a green card? A green card (GC) is not U.S. citizenship. Rather, a GC allows lawful permanent residence in the U.S. That is, an individual retains his/her citizenship(s), and is also authorized to reside permanently in the U.S. and to work for any employer in the U.S. without the need to obtain a visa or other authorization. GC holders are also known as permanent resident aliens and resident alien permit holder. Federal law does not require any U.S. employer to sponsor any individual for GC. GCs are a privilege - not an entitlement - that the U.S. government - in its discretion - accords to legally qualified individuals. 2. What are GITs goals for the GC program? GIT has three goals: a. Maximize PERM approval chances while minimizing the possibility of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) audits and denials; b. Obtain PERM approvals that can be easily used to obtain Form I-140 approvals from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in the appropriate classification, i.e., EB-2 or EB3; and c. Maximize the number of associates who qualify for EB-2 classification, provided that this goal does not conflict with the goals listed above. What are Cognizants eligibility criteria for an associate to apply for a GC? Under Cognizants current policy, an associate is eligible for GC processing as follows: a. After completing at least 6 months on US payroll for managers and above. b. After completing at least 12 months on US payroll for those below the manager level. Cognizant reserves the right to revise this policy at any time without prior notice. If you have satisfied this seniority requirement and wish to start the GC process with Cognizant, please follow the instructions below. GIT will process your GC application only after you have provided the following: A GC Application must be initiated in MyVisa at https://myvisa or https://myvisa.cognizant.com. GIT will send all immigration-related communications only to associates Cognizant email accounts, based on information in PeopleSoft, MyVisa, MyVisa and/or any other related automated

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system that Cognizant uses. GIT will not communicate with an associate through a personal email or a client-based email accounts. Each associate is personally responsible for: a. Ensuring that Cognizant systems such as PeopleSoft, MyVisa, and MyVisa contain only the latest information; b. Daily checking his/her Cognizant email account; and c. Timely responding to GIT requests GC Process 1. What is the GC process? Obtaining a GC on the basis of U.S. employment is generally a 3-step process, as follows: a. Step 1: Effective March 2005, all labor certification applications are now filed electronically using a Form ETA-9089 under the PERM process. DOL provides a great deal of information at its website at: http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/ b. Step 2: After obtaining DOL approval in Step 1, the employer in Step 2 files a Form I-140 petition with CIS for immigrant visa classification (e.g., EB-2, EB-3) for the individual. c. Step 3: Once a Form I-140 petition is pending with CIS, an individual may file a Form I-485 application package with CIS to apply for permanent residence (a green card or GC), provided that the priority date is current, i.e., a GC visa is currently available in the individuals EB classification. In the EB-2 and EB-3 classes, the priority date is the date that DOL accepts PERM labor certification application. Every month, the U.S. government publishes the Visa Bulletin to report on GC visa availability according to priority dates per EB class. To be eligible to file a Form I-485 package with CIS, an individuals priority date must precede the cut-off date listed in the Visa Bulletin, i.e., the individuals priority must be current. The processing times of the various governmental agencies, as well as visa availability as reported in the Visa Bulletin, are factors that are outside of Cognizants control. Approximate processing times can be found at www.uscis.gov. Visa availability information is reported in the Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin may be found at bulletin_1360.html. Provided that an individuals priority date is current, his/her Form I-485 application package may be filed with CIS concurrently with the Form I-140 petition (step 2) or any time after that petition is filed with CIS. 2. What is the expected timeframe for the entire Green Card process to complete? a. Step 1 - The PERM Application: Under PERM, absent a DOL audit, DOL aims - but does not promise - to process PERM applications in six (6) months. Once there is an audit placed on the PERM application, processing time can increase to one year or more. b. Step 2 - The Form I-140 Petition: CIS generally takes 12 months or more to process a Form I-140 petition. CIS closely restricts Premium Processing Service for Form I-140 petitions. Premium processing is ONLY available for I-140 petitions in limited circumstances.

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Step 3 - The Form I-485 Application Package (including Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole): Once a priority date is current, your I-485 can be filed. The timeframe for adjudication cannot be provided as the timeframe varies on a case by case basis. The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is valid for one to two years. You can renew your EAD no more than 120 days before the expiry date. Further information will be given in your I-485 instructions package. Advance parole (AP) is valid for one year. You can renew your AP no more than 120 days before the expiry date. Further information will be given in your I-485 instructions package.

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What GC process expenses does Cognizant cover? What costs is the associates responsibility? Cognizant covers a majority of all fees required for the GC process. Associates are required to cover a portion of the I-140 fee and the I-485 fee. As the fees are subject to change based on USCIS policy the GC team will inform you at the time of filing what fees are required. What is the earliest date that I can file Form I-485 GC application package with CIS? To file a Form I-485 GC application package with CIS, an individual must hold: a. A DOL-approved PERM application b. A CIS-pending or CIS-approved Form I-140 petition; and c. A current priority date. What is Employment-Based preference category? There is a limited number of GC visas available each year. Visas are allocated according to the employment-based (EB) preference category. When demand for GC visas exceeds the annual supply, backlogs ensue. There are three different preference categories within employment-based GC process:

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GC Employment-Based (EB) Preference Category EB-1-3 EB-2 EB-3

Description Multinational Managers or Executives Advanced Degree Exceptional Ability Holders or Persons Of

Professionals and Skilled Workers

6. When is it possible to by-pass the step 1 labor certification application, e.g., PERM application? Individuals who qualify for EB-1-3 classification are exempted from the step 1 labor certification process and may directly proceed to the step 2 Form I-140 petition with CIS. To qualify for EB-1-3 GC classification a Cognizant associate must have worked: a. Outside the U.S. b. For a Cognizant affiliate c. For a cumulative period of 365 days or more in the 3-year period preceding any entry into the U.S. to join Cognizant U.S. payroll d. As a Senior Associate

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In a managerial capacity, which is defined as an assignment within Cognizant in which an associate: o Primarily manages a team of professionals; o Supervises and controls the work of other associates; o Has the authority to recommend personnel actions, such as hiring, firing, promotion, performance review, salary adjustments, and/or leave; AND o Exercises direction over the day-to-day the activity or function that the associate manages. The onsite position is also in a managerial capacity, as described above.

To comply with legal requirements, Cognizant as a practice requires that associates hold the minimum designation of Senior Associate or higher level for at least 365 days physically outside of the U.S. with Cognizant abroad (e.g., UK, India) to qualify for EB-1-3 classification. All new GC requests are first reviewed for eligibility for EB-1-3 classification, so you do not need to separately inquire about EB-1-3 eligibility category if you are currently included in the PERM group. 7. I currently hold an L-1A visa. Does that make me EB-1-3 eligible? No. L-1A visa is not determinative to be EB-1-3 eligible. Please refer above for EB-1-3 eligibility.

PERM 1. What is PERM? Beginning March 28, 2005, DOL has used the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system to process step 1 labor certification applications. The DOL provides further information about PERM and its predecessor program, Reduction in Recruitment (RIR), at its website: http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/ DOL created PERM to completely replace RIR. In part, the aim was to streamline the process by enabling online filings. Absent a DOL audit, DOL aims - but does not promise - to process PERM applications around 6 months. If there is an audit on the PERM application, processing times increase to over 14 months. 2. What is prevailing wage? DOL subjects all PERM applications to stringent review of the prevailing wage. Under PERM, the employer must meet 100% of the prevailing wage for the position. The prevailing wage rate: a. Is defined as the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the requested occupation in the area of intended employment. DOL rules define which compensation components may be counted towards the prevailing wage. That is, Cognizant is limited to counting certain compensation components, e.g., Base Pay, Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Contribution, and Performance. Work Experience 1. What work experience may be used in qualifying an associate for GC?

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Only experience gained working for a company other than Cognizant US may be considered. Experience gained in any Cognizant affiliate abroad (not US) will be considered. *No work experience gained while working for Cognizant in the U.S. may be used. 2. What proof of prior work experience is required? As part of Cognizants GC program, each associate is required to confirm his/her work experience in the 5-year period before you first joined Cognizant in the U.S. Generally, experience letter from the prior company is submitted at this stage. Certificates of Employment by themselves are insufficient to prove prior work experience. Legally sufficient work experience letter is either a business letter or affidavit from former supervisor(s). A legally sufficient letter or affidavit includes the following: a. Name of the employer; b. A brief description of the employers business activity; c. The exact start and end dates (i.e., mm/dd/yyyy) for each position held with the employer, including the number of hours worked per week; d. Your designation; e. A detailed description of your duties/responsibilities; and f. The name and designation of person providing the above-mentioned information. A letter from the prior company or an affidavit signed by your prior supervisor is the best proof of prior work experience. If you are only able to obtain a supervisor affidavit in the format described above, USCIS is likely to question this type of evidence in the Form I-140 phase. In order to provide further evidence, it would be best to obtain at least two of the following, Leaving certificate; a. Pay slips; and b. Joining letter. Please see below for the work experience and supervisor affidavit templates.

C:\Documents and Settings\144759\Desktop\PERM\Supervisor Affidavit (Sample).doc

C:\Documents and Settings\144759\Desktop\PERM\Model Work Experience Letter (Sample).doc

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What is EB-2 classification? EB-2 is an abbreviation for employment-based second preference classification, which is available for members of the professions holding advance degrees or persons of exceptional ability. At minimum, the individual must meet the DOL set Prevailing Wage Requirement AND either of the following: a. A U.S. Master's degree or a single foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. Masters (MS) plus one year of work experience in the related field prior to US Cognizant, or b. A U.S. Bachelor's degree or a single foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelors (BS) plus at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the related field prior to U.S. Cognizant.

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What is EB-3 classification? EB-3 is an abbreviation for the third employment-based preference classification, which is available for skilled workers. To meet EB-3 an individual must have: 3 years of Post Secondary Education; AND 3 years of related work Experience prior to joining Cognizant in the US. I have a 3-year degree from India. Am I eligible for EB-2 classification? EB-2 eligibility is not possible with 3-year bachelors degrees from India, even when supplemented with other degrees and/or work experience.

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6. I have a Masters degree from India. Am I eligible for EB-2 classification? Not necessarily. Not everyone who holds a Masters degree will be eligible for EB-2 classification. First, not all post-graduate diplomas from India are evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. Masters degrees. Second, if you hold a 3 year Bachelors degree and a 2 year Masters degree, you will NOT be EB-2 eligible. Third, if you hold a 3 year Bachelors degree and a 3 year Masters degree, you MAY be EB-2 eligible. Fourth, the position described in the PERM application must be one that meets DOL criteria for EB-2 classification, and the prevailing wage for the position is in proportion to those components of Cognizant compensation that may be counted towards the offered wage in a PERM application. 7. I have a 4-year Bachelors degree from India and have more than 5 years of experience. Am I eligible for EB-2 classification? Not necessarily. Not everyone who has 5 years of experience will be eligible for EB-2 classification. First, not all work experience qualifies. The experience must be from an employer other than Cognizant in the U.S. Second, the position described in the PERM application must be one that meets DOL criteria for EB-2 classification, and the prevailing wage for the position is in proportion to those components of Cognizant compensation that may be counted towards the offered wage in a PERM application.

Spouses and Children 1. How can I include my spouse and minor children in the GC process? If Cognizant is sponsoring you as a Cognizant associate for GC, your spouse and children do not need a separate labor certification application (e.g., PERM) or a Form I-140 CIS approval. A separate Form I-485 application is necessary for you and all immediate family members. Provided that the priority date is current, the associate and his or her family may file form I-485 applications with CIS. I got married after I filed my I-485, can my spouse be joined to my Form I-485 application? Your spouse may join your I-485 application if both of the following conditions exist: a. Your priority date is current (see priority date information above); AND b. Your I-485 remains pending with CIS (not approved).

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When can I or my spouse obtain an EAD? You and your spouse can apply for employment authorization document (EAD) with your Form I485 package or if you already have a CIS-pending Form I-485.

GC and H-1B or L-1 Visas 1. I hold an H-1B or L-1 Visa status. How does this affect my Green Card Process? The law specifically exempted H-1B and L-1 visa holders from this limited-time-period intent. That means that H-1B and L-1 visa holders may pursue GC sponsorship without jeopardizing their continued eligibility for H-1B and L-1 visa benefits. However, federal law strictly requires individuals who hold temporary-duration visas (e.g., B-1, E-3, F-1, J-1, TN) to intend to remain in the U.S. for a defined short-term period of time for a specific purpose. For example, an individual in TN status is prohibited from intending to remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized stay, and may not proceed to GC sponsorship without jeopardizing his or her continued visa status. 2. Do I need to extend my non-immigrant status (i.e., H-1 or L-1 status) if I have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP)? Yes! It is important to maintain your underlying H-1B or L-1 status and visa stamps. In the event that CIS denies your Form I-485 application, any EAD and AP will be automatically voided. In such a case, without the underlying H-1B or L-1 visa status, you will not be authorized to: a. Remain in the U.S., nor b. Work in the U.S. To protect you from this risk, Cognizant requires that all associates with CIS-pending Form I-485 applications maintain their underlying H-1B and/or L-1 status and visa stamps. Accordingly, associates should: a. Maintain valid Form I-94 cards in H-1B or L-1 status, and b. Use H-1B or L-1 visa stamps to enter the U.S. Should I renew my EAD/AP? It is also important to renew your EAD to maintain work authorization in addition to your underlying H-1B or L-1 status. EAD renewal can be filed within 120 days of expiration date. It is the associates responsibility to renew the EAD and AP. When within a 120 days of the expiration date please initiate an I-485 EAD request in myvisa and/or an Advance Parole request in myvisa. You will receive further instructions via email once you initiate these requests. If you have any issues with this please reach out to myvisasupport@cognizant.com. Questions pertaining to Travel while the GC is pending or approved (please click on below)

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FAQ - International Travel with Pending I-485.pdf

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Post-GC Issues 1. What is the validity period of a GC? CIS issues cards to indicate GC status. These cards each are valid for a 10-year period. CIS provides general information about renewing GC cards at: http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/renew.htm Only the card expires, not the permanent resident status. 2. How does an individual protect a GC during a prolonged absence from the U.S.? An individual may lose his/her GC status through abandonment. Generally, GC holders who are absent from the U.S. for a continuous period exceeding 180 days may be considered as returning aliens, which means that an immigration inspector may closely question that individual at the port-of-entry (POE) to test whether GC status is abandoned. If the GC holder has been absent from the U.S. continuously for six months or more, abandonment of GC status is presumed, but may be overcome with evidence that the individual did not intend to abandon such status. After making a formal finding of abandonment, POE immigration inspectors have the discretion to take away an individuals GC at the border. To protect GC status during a U.S. absence of 6 continuous months or longer, an individual should consider taking the following courses of action: a. Before departing the U.S., apply to CIS for a re-entry permit, which serves as proof that an individual did not abandon GC status despite a prolonged U.S. absence during the permits validity (i.e., up to 2 years). Re-entry permits may be renewed for up to 2 years. b. Pay U.S. taxes as a tax resident. Filing a federal income tax return as a non-resident alien raises a rebuttable presumption that an individual has abandoned his or her GC status. The safest course of action is to file such returns as a U.S. tax resident, despite the financial cost. The GC holder should get tax advice from a tax professional experienced in these matters. Request a Cognizant assignment letter to define the assignment abroad, including its duration, from Peopleline HR US. The aim is to have Cognizant acknowledge that the assignment abroad is of a temporary nature. Have the individual maintain as many ties to the U.S. as possible, e.g., U.S. employment (despite a limited assignment abroad), close family in the U.S., payment of taxes as a U.S. tax resident, real estate and other significant property, U.S. banking and investment accounts. The more ties, the better.

c.

d.

3.

How does a GC holder protect U.S. naturalization eligibility in advance of a prolonged absence from the U.S.? To qualify for naturalization, an individual must meet various criteria, including: a. Time as a GC holder, i.e., 5 years if GC was based on employment-based sponsorship. b. Physical U.S. Presence, i.e., at least 30 months in the last 5 years. c. Continuous Residence, i.e., all U.S. absences were less than 6 months.

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For an overview of all naturalization requirements, please go to CISs naturalization web pages, which are an excellent source of information. www.uscis.gov.

D. MyVisa
1. How do I update personal information such as home address, mailing address, phone number in MyVisa? The personal information shown on MyVisa is taken from PeopleSoft HCM. Updates have to be made in PeopleSoft HCM using the Self Service option. Changes made will automatically reflect in MyVisa. Residence Address in MyVisa is mapped to Home address in PeopleSoft HCM. Mailing address in MyVisa is mapped to Mailing address in PeopleSoft HCM. Go to PeopleSoft HCM: Self Service >Personal Information>Home and Mailing Address Residence phone number (Phone 1) in MyVisa is mapped to Permanent phone number in PeopleSoft HCM. Mailing address phone number in MyVisa is mapped to Mobile number in PeopleSoft HCM. Go to PeopleSoft HCM: Self Service>Personal Information>Phone Numbers. 2. How do I update my name in MyVisa as per my Passport? Passport Name in MyVisa is mapped to Passport name in PeopleSoft HCM. To update it, use the Self Service>Personal Information>Passport name change option in PeopleSoft HCM. How do I submit the World Visa Request (WVR) Questionnaire for managers review and approval? Complete the WVR and click on the close button. From the left hand side menu click on the submit button to submit your WVR. You need to accept the declaration for your request to be submitted. How do I see the status of a visa/case request initiated in MyVisa? To view the status of your visa/case request go to visa/case request page, select Open cases under Case list from the menu on the left hand side. Click on Status and reminder steps option to view the status of your case. Do I have to fill the WVR for dependents visas? No, only the WVR form for the associate need be filled for a visa request.

3.

4.

5.

6. My passport name in HCM and MyVisa is different from my actual passport name. How do I update my passport name in HCM and MyVisa? To Update your passport name in HCM use the Self Service>Personal Information>Passport name change option in PeopleSoft HCM. Your changed passport name will be automatically reflected in MyVisa.

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Note: All Associates actual first name and last name has been updated as the passport first name and last name in HCM (applicable for those associates whose passport first name and last name is blank in HCM). If your passport first name and last name is different from your actual first name and last name, follow the above process to. Get the passport name corrected in HCM and same information will be automatically reflected in MyVisa. 7. How do I change my HCM supervisor in MyVisa? Check your HCM Supervisor in PeopleSoft HCM using the Self Service option. Verify if the HCM Supervisor in PeopleSoft is correct. If it isnt, then request your current supervisor to initiate the necessary changes.

8. I have been promoted. Should I wait to submit the MyVisa questionnaire till my new designation reflects in MyVisa? Yes. Once your new designation gets updated in HCM, the change will automatically reflect in MyVisa. 9. How do I update my education and experience details, and Passport details such as birth place, which cannot be updated using HCM Employee Self Service? Please raise a GSD ticket for correcting/updating information in HCM on People Line. HR Shared Services team will make the required changes after verifying the scanned copies of your original documents. For example, Education / Experience details: Raise GSD ticket in PeopleLine > HR Systems > Peoplesoft> Educational details/Experience details. Passport information Raise GSD ticket in PeopleLine > HR Services > Personal Info >Passport information Data discrepancy Raise GSD ticket in PeopleLine > HR Systems > People Soft > data discrepancy Note: For more information refer the HCM data correction document in MyVisa Help. 10. What is the Managers procedure for approving the visa request in MyVisa? a. Log on to MyVisa Intranet: https://myvisa, Internet: https://myvisa.cognizant.com b. In the Zoom Assistant home page, click on the Initiated Case of the Associate (or) on the more link from the Visa/Case Request section, to whom you have to approve. c. Click on the Review button at the right end of the case in visa / case request page. d. Click on WorldVisa Questionnaire > Edit. Complete the review and close the questionnaire. e. Click on Approve / Reject option on the left hand menu. f. Click the Approve / Reject / Clarify / Cancel button from the screen. Note: Questionnaire review is not required for GC requests. The Manager can use the Approve / Reject option in the visa / case request page to Approve / Reject / Clarify / Cancel the request. All UK Visas and GC requests must be initiated through MyVisa system (email approval will not be acceptable as per the new process). 11. Is it necessary to scan and upload all the pages of my passport on MyVisa to process my visa? No, you need only scan and upload the first two pages, the last two (Biographic) pages and all the pages with visa stamps of your passport.

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Note: The scanned pages of the passport need to be clear and readable. Verify the scanned images of the passport before uploading it to MyVisa. 12. How do I see the status of my visa request in MyVisa? a. Log on to MyVisa Intranet: https://myvisa, Internet: https://myvisa.cognizant.com. b. In the Zoom Assistant home page, click on Visa/Case request Tab under MyInfo. c. Click on Case List in the Left hand side menu from the Visa/case request page. d. Click on the Case id in the Associate cases page. You will be able to see the process steps listed in the screen with a for the steps already completed along with the completion date and estimated date for those steps which is in progress & not yet started. 13. My visa request has been approved by my HCM Supervisor. What should be the next step? After your Manager approves the visa request, the case will be sent to the Global Immigration Team for review and determination of your visa type. Upon GIT approval, you will receive an e-mail with the link to fill the questionnaire and upload the documents. 14. My visa request was rejected by GIT. What is the procedure for re-opening the case? You cannot re-open a case again in MyVisa. You need to raise a new visa request and submit it to your manager for Approval. 15. My visa request was sent back to me for Clarification by GIT. What should I do? You need to provide the required clarification requested by GIT by modifying the WVR questionnaire and re-submit the visa request to your manager for approval. After your managers approval, the visa request will be sent to GIT for review.

Cognizant has various resources available to assist you with your immigration needs. For additional information on Global Immigration, please visit the Immigration page on C-World at: https://groups.cognizant.com/corporate/immigration/default.aspx

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